How did the financial state of farmers contrast with the financial state of manufacturing?

The financial state of farmers often contrasted sharply with that of manufacturers, particularly during periods of economic change. Farmers typically faced fluctuating incomes due to variable crop prices, adverse weather, and rising costs for inputs like seeds and equipment, leading to financial instability. In contrast, manufacturing sectors usually benefitted from more consistent demand, economies of scale, and technological advancements, which often resulted in higher profit margins and more stable financial performance. This disparity highlighted the challenges faced by agricultural workers compared to the relative security of industrial labor during certain economic periods.